VectoraLab Lab

ISO 20816 Overview ISO 20816 is the current international standard for measuring and evaluating mechanical vibration of machines. It updates and extends ISO 10816. Structure (Parts): • ISO 20816-1: General guidelines • ISO 20816-2: Land-based steam turbines and generators >50 MW • ISO 20816-3: Industrial machines >15 kW (most common for general machinery) • ISO 20816-4: Gas turbine sets • ISO 20816-5: Machine sets in hydraulic power generation • ISO 20816-6: Reciprocating machines • ISO 20816-7: Rotodynamic pumps • ISO 20816-8: Reciprocating compressors • ISO 20816-9: Gear units Severity Zones (ISO 20816-3 simplified): • Zone A: Newly commissioned (RMS typically <2.3 mm/s for Group 1) • Zone B: Acceptable long-term operation • Zone C: Alarm — not suitable for long-term continuous operation • Zone D: Danger — risk of machine damage Measurement Quantity: • Velocity RMS (mm/s) in 10–1000 Hz band: standard measurement • Displacement (μm peak-peak): for slow-speed machines • Acceleration (m/s²): for high-frequency content Important: Zone thresholds differ by machine class, mounting (rigid vs flexible), and power rating. Always identify the applicable part and machine group before applying limits. The ISO 20816 calculator on this site uses simplified indicative values only.